Chapter 3(Final part): 'Beyond The Stars'
Tangled in each other's arms, they opened their hearts to each other. "It was difficult. After you left, I had to face many inquiries, they believed I helped you escape. My license got canceled and I was fired and fined heavily, I had to sell my house," She told him, tracing an invisible pattern on his naked chest.
He pulled her closer to him, running his fingers, through her hair, playing with her long locks. "Jer offered me to live with him till I could get back on my own feet again. I was barely alive, I didn't have you, I didn't have my job, I lost my house, I searched for you everywhere, inquired about you from most shady people but nothing. I had nothing to live for. I don't know what I would have done if they hadn't supported me," She said, lost in a thought.
"I'm glad you had someone," He said, filling the silence.
"Hmm," She said in a grim tone. "I know you want to know why I… I'm with Mason?" She felt him stiffen at the mention of her fiancé. He didn't like it when she said his name, how did she expect him to be okay with that.
"Three years ago, Jeremy was working on a contract with George Lockwood, the ex-mayor. One day, he came home, earlier than usual and trashed the house in search for some files. Bonnie, his wife, she asked him what happened but he never told her, he was so worried, there was something seriously wrong," She sat, wrapping her arms around herself as if trying to hold herself from falling apart. "He told us he was going at dad's for something very important. The next day, we got a call that Jer and dad were killed in a serial killer attack," Despite her strict resolve streams of tears rolled down her cheeks. "I don't think they died in an accident, I believe it was planted but my name was already mud in the department, no one believed me," She wiped the corner of her eyes.
"I… I didn't know that," He sat up, turning her to him. He cupped her face, looking at her pain stricken face. "I'm so sorry,"
"There were some serious allegations against him. George blamed him for corruption in the project. Bonnie and I were in serious trouble. Mason helped us in that time, he used his sources, pulled some strings and closed the case, he helped me pay my fine too and bought me my house back. I owed him mine and Bonnie's life. He didn't do it because he loved me, nor did he felt sympathy for me, he did that because he has a mentally challenged daughter and no woman he dated wanted to be with him because of the responsibility. He needed a caretaker for his daughter, a full-time caretaker, who wouldn't leave. So he chose me. I only accepted because I didn't have any other choice, I was already dead. I never looked for love. But if I could give that little girl an ounce of happiness by my presence than so be it."
He bit the inside of his cheek to the point of making it bleed, "He took advantage of your problems, I'm not gonna spare-,"
"I don't blame him," She stopped him, putting her finger against his lips, "He was clear about intention from the start," She reached for his hand, sandwiching it between hers.
"Well, you should know that I also have no intention to give you back,"
"I wouldn't expect any less," She smiled. "I just told you all this, because I wanted to tell you that… I never loved anyone else, you are the love of my life, and I'll love only you till I don't exist anymore," Her fingers tangled in his, her eyes locked with him, promising him forever.
For the first time in a very very long time, a smile graced his lips. "I love you too… more than anyone can ever love anyone,"
"How was it for you?" She inquired, holding his hand, kissing his fingertips with utmost softness. A shiver ran down his body at the display of affection.
"Well, you know what I thought," He said, his eyes fixed on her lips. "I thought I hated you, I told myself that I don't want or need you. But it's easy to say that to yourself when the other person isn't in front of you, I found all the bitter feelings disappear the second I saw you." He confessed.
"You know that I... I never wanted to-," She explained quickly but he put a finger to her lips. "Shh. I know," He pecked her lips, a very small smile on his face, "I understand,"
"Why do you love me so much?" She asked, placing a hand on his cheek. He held it and kissed it. True, why did he love her so much? Because she was the only one who made him feel that. Because she was the one who believed he could change. He'd never wanted and loved anyone so much.
"Because you were made to love,"
..
..
It was weird but she felt at home now. She was kidnapped, forced to live with the most dangerous criminals the world has known but she was fine, comfortable, happy actually.
She knew the crew wasn't surprised that she had started to live in their don's room or that she would have dinners and lunches only with him. What surprised them was their don's light mood and the shadow of a smile on his face whenever he saw her.
He kept her close all the time as if afraid that if he let her out of his sight, he'll lose her. But Elena didn't mind that. Unlike everyone else, she liked to be around him. She would sit with him, do silly things to humor him, make him smile ear to ear and chat non-stop until he kissed her to silence her.
For once, Damon was happy. After finishing up his work, he spent every moment of the day, tangled in Elena's arms and every night he made love to her, and when they were sated they slept together, his head resting against her chest.
His happiness didn't last long. He received the call that Klaus Mikelson was bailed and he had to go and receive him, personally.
He sent Kol to wake Elena up and ask her to get ready. Of course, he wouldn't leave her alone when he was going out of town.
She came downstairs, fully dressed, yawning, stumbling toward him.
He took her hand and pulled her to him, circling both his hands around her waist. "Morning, Sleepy,"
Looking into her eyes he planted a kiss on her lips, she responded back by gently pressing her lips against him while her arms reached around his neck. The feeling of warmth and security holding her was so overwhelming that she didn't want it to let go, but sadly they had to.
"Why are we up so early?"
He sat back on the stool, making her sit on his lap. "Klaus is released. We have to go and bring him here,"
Her brows furrowed. "If Klaus is released then am I…,"
"No. Never." He said, his eyes suddenly darkening.
"Oh…,"
"Hmm." He leaned over to capture her lips once again but then a cough interrupted.
"The transport is ready," Kol said.
They pulled back, groaning, annoyed.
"Let's go, then," Elena said, jumping off his lap.
..
..
They stopped by the beach. She didn't know why they were here. Curious, she wanted to ask Damon but he told her she'll know in a bit time.
He was busy discussing some plans with someone from his gang so she turned her attention to the scenery outside. It's been awhile she had been out. It wasn't like they didn't let her go out of the house but a guard always accompanied her. She had told Damon that if she wanted to run away no one in the world could stop her but Damon told her that the guard wasn't to keep a check on her rather it was for her security. She didn't understand why? She didn't question him much because she sensed that he felt sort of insecure as if he suspected she might betray him again and that she's actually questioning because she wanted to draw information out of him like she did the last time.
She turned to find a diary stuffed in Damon's jacket that he had taken off a while ago. Curiosity got the best of her, she took it out and read it. The handwriting was quite shabby as if a child wrote it. She figured the journal was from his childhood.
"Something interesting?" She almost jumped when she heard his voice.
"Oh. I… found this."
"No, you took it out," He said rolling his eyes, taking the diary from her hand.
"Cute though. You used to write a journal when you were a kid?" She asked, leaning against his arm.
"What? No. It's a to-do list. I need it to remember the contract dates, my victims, keep track of payments and the vehicles I rent for the jobs, I've had it for years,"
"What?" She said, eyes narrowed. She snatched the diary from his hand, opening it, examining the bad handwriting. "This… is quite disturbing handwriting for… thirty-five-year-old man,"
"One thirty-four and two… I have condition so it's understandable."
"Condition?"
"Oh god, Elena. I thought you'd know by now."
"What?"
"I have visual dyslexia, I'm unable to read or write much," He said after a while. She could sense insecurity and shame in his tone.
"What… but when you used to live at my place, you used to read all the time,"
He shook his head, sighing, "I couldn't. It was just an excuse to be near you and not creep you out,"
"Oh." She said, shell-shocked. What kind of psychiatrist was she if she couldn't figure that out?
"I wasn't always like this, you know, I was a bright student, but everything changed after my parents died." He confessed to her after a while.
She looked at him, questioningly. Then he told her his story. He told her that after his parents died, Zach handed him over to his parent's killer in form of his payment of the money he took from them. The local gang sold him off to a human trafficking gang where he was forced to be a labor. He didn't tell her the details but she got the whole sketch of how terrible the place must have been.
She found herself crying for the pain he had suffered. He was only a child and he was forced to work hard labor, he was beaten when he was sick and wasn't treated whenever he got injured. He told her that one day when he couldn't take it anymore, he ran away.
"This world is cruel, Elena and to live here, you have to be just as cruel," He said. He looked up to find her face drenched in tears. It warmed his heart that she felt his pain. No one else before her did. He loved the eyes that worried for him, the heart that cared for him and the girl that loved him. Only him.
"Why couldn't you inform the police or anyone? They would have helped you."
"Elena, do you really think all this would happen if the police officials weren't involved. They get their cut for each dealings. Do you know why I was ordered to kidnap you? It was because Mason broke off a guns deal with Augustine and offered it to another gang for a higher cut."
"Mason is involved too."
"Mason, George, everyone."
She couldn't believe her ears. How can people be so cruel?
She looked back at him and for the first time could see all the invisible scars on his face, the pain, the sufferings. She took him in his arms and buried her face in his neck, promising herself that she'd make sure that no hint of misery ever touches him again. She'll be with him forever and love his pain away, they will stay together until death do them part.
..
..
"How are we going to go all the way to there?" She said as she pointed at the island. They were in the fairly good mood now, having gotten everything off their chest and promised each other forever.
"Don't say boats," She said before he could answer. He shook his head. "Too slow. Guess again?"
"Jet Ski's?"
He nodded. A squeal escaped her lips almost making him jump.
"JET SKI's." She said excitedly. She then looked at the end of the beach. A couple of boatercycles were ready near the beach.
"But I don't know how to drive one," She said as she pouted.
"No one's letting you drive one, you can barely walk without stumbling. I like you too much to lose you so soon." Damon said, rolling his eyes
"Is that so?" She replied with a pout.
He nodded, inching closer to kiss her pout away. She smiled when their lips met. After they were done, the walked hand in hand to the watercraft.
"Is it ready?"
The man nodded.
"Ready?" He said, turning to her.
"Born ready," She replied proudly, making him chuckle.
He took hold of the handle and slid on the seat. She sat behind him, holding him lightly.
"You have to hold on tight or you'll fall off,"
"Haha. As if you'll let that happen," she said confidently.
"True," He said, shrugging as he turned the motor on and navigated the jet ski to the island. He heard her squeal in joy, spreading her arms in the air.
"Elena, you'll fall. Damn it, hold me,"
"I feel like I'm flying," She said, happily, trying to stand but almost lost her balance. He held on to her hand tightly, his other hand on the handle. "Elena, damn it, be careful."
She chuckled, not giving his orders much thought.
"Hold me,"
"I'm fine."
"Suit yourself then" He said as an evil smirk came on his face and he increased the speed of the boater. She held on to him tightly, screaming for a second. "You're such an asshole," She hit him lightly on his arm.
"Told you to listen to me,"
"I was,"
"No, you weren't. You were being a bad girl,"
"But now, you've been a bad boy," She said, circling her arms around his waist, leaning her head against his back.
"Yes, and I think I should be punished."
"You'll be. Tonight." She replied, making a fake face.
"Sounds interesting."
"It's not what you think, I'm planning to kick you out of the room,"
"I refuse to stay away from you," He said it so firmly as if he would not let anything in the world come between them.
"We'll see."
Her hands caressed his biceps, loving the feel of them. Was he always so strong, so tough? She could feel his heat radiate from his body onto her. If only she could rip his shirt off and… her thought line broke when she heard him chuckle.
"What?" She asked.
"Someone's needy right now."
Her eyes widened. "How did you…,"
"God, I can smell you. We should make a stop. I must get a taste." His words made her turn a shade darker.
"Maybe home,"
"Home," He liked the way she called his house home. He sped the craft forward and stopped it by the coast of the beach.
"It was so amazing. I want another ride again." Elena demanded, holding his arm. He laughed liking the childlike excitement tone and the glow of her face. "Anything my darling demands, she gets,"
"Is that so?" Klaus's cold voice interrupted them.
"Hello, Damon,"
"Hello, Klaus." He replied, his face void of all emotions, standing in front of him as if protecting her from Klaus's stare. A smirk came on Klaus's face.
Now, this was an interesting turn of events. He knew Damon enough to know recognize Elena. She was the same girl, he had talked about in his drunk state, the girl that he loved so much, the girl who played him. So she was Mason's fiance? Augustine would get a kick out of this.
..
..
He crawled off her, met her eyes briefly before he caught her lips in a kiss. She opened her mouth under his, the thrill of his kisses making her toes curl, causing her to moan and arch under him, wanting the feel of his hands on her, she pulled him closer, her hand fisting in his hair.
"Missed me?" She asked with a chuckle.
Damon had been out all day while she waited back at home. He had a meeting with Klaus and Augustine at their headquarters. Mason had agreed on the ransom price and now they were discussing the next step. He had assured her that she didn't need to worry and that she wasn't going anywhere.
"You know, I did," He said rolling his eyes as he buried his face in her neck. She chuckled, slowly caressing the hair on the nape of his neck.
"Tired?" She asked.
"Yes," He said in a childlike way.
She smiled softly, looking down at him. He seemed relaxed and so peaceful. It warmed her heart how every night he would crawl up her body in search for peace that only she could give him.
She played with his hair, quietly then a mischievous thought came to her mind and she took a strand of her hair and tickled his nose.
A smile came to his face. He played along, pretending to sleep. She tickled his nose again.
"Someone wants to play," He muttered, sleepily.
Before she could reply, he held her hand, pinning it to a side, now hovering on top of her. He held her gaze, looking at her with the softest expression.
His eyes were filled with so much love that it took her breath away. He moved closer, sucking on her pulse point. "Never leave me, Elena. I survived last time but this time, I won't be able to live without you,"
"I won't ever, I promise,"
..
..
"How does this looks?" Elena said twirling around in a red baby doll dress.
He laid back on the couch, looking at her with a slight smile on his face, a smile that was only reserved for her. "Beautiful, baby. Just like the last five dresses you tried on,"
She pouted, turning back to the mirror. "So this ball… what exactly is it for?"
"It's a celebration for our win. Mason Lockwood finally surrendered. He'll give us the contract." She sensed the venom in his tone when he said Mason's name.
"He did. Does that mean that I-,"
"No, you're not going back." He said it before she could word it. He rose up, walked to her, circling his arms around her belly, his chin on her neck. "You're staying with me forever,"
She nodded, looking at their reflection in the mirror. She wanted to talk to him about what he had planned for their future because obviously, she couldn't stay here trapped forever, but before she could ask, he lifted her arm and twirled her in a dance move, pulling her against his chest. He liked it when he had her in his arms. He didn't understand why he needed her close so much. He had never needed it before. Why did he love it when every inch of his skin touched hers. Why did he always need her close to his heart?
"Done with the dress up?"
"Can I try one more dress?"
"By all means," He said.
"You're not bored,"
He shook his head, pursing his lips.
"You know what I like this," She said, looking back at the mirror. Their eyes locked in the mirror again. She blushed, noticing his admiring glance travel down her body. "Stop looking at me like that,"
"Like what?" He asked, confused.
"Like you'll eat me up,"
"But I do wanna eat you up," He replied, making her turn a shade darker.
"Oh dear lord," she said, looking away, not strong enough to keep the intense eye contact.
He laughed at her nervous antics, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear.
"We make a good couple," He said, looking again at their reflection in the mirror. She smiled, turning to it. He wrapped his arms around her, his chin on her shoulder again. Slowly, he leaned closer, nuzzling her neck, trying to start another session of their lovemaking. He had had her two times today but it didn't seem enough.
"Oh, wait, I have something else on my mind," she said, turning around to him excitedly.
"What could be better than this?" Seriously, what could be better than him buried deep inside her? He thought. They were meant to be together like that. They were made for each other.
"Come with me," She held his hand and led him to the couch. She pushed him onto the couch and then hurried to a bookshelf, she took out a book and came back to him and sat next to him.
When he asked her what she planned she told him she wanted to help him with his dyslexia. For a second, he was shocked, "Oh no, you'll only make fun of me. I still haven't forgotten that Youber thing,"
"oober,"
"Whatever,"
"Just try." She pouted, "for me,"
He sighed a heavy sigh and frowned but then agreed. He attempted to read the first paragraph, making so many mistakes but she was patient, she didn't laugh at him like he expected but only encouraged him. And when he was done, she gave him a kiss as a prize for her his work.
"You'll manage to get over this, it's not that hard," She said, climbing onto his lap. "You're already making progress,"
"That's because you're a good teacher, I once went to an unemployed teacher and asked him to help me with this, he told me that I was a waste and that if horses could talk, they would read better than me,"
"How rude!"
"I know right, that's why I killed him,"
She facepalmed. Why was he always thinking violent things, if only she can change his mind? She didn't like it when he talked like that.
"Damon, please," She said uncomfortably.
"What!"
"I... please don't say things like that," She said, making a face.
"Why so?"
"Because I don't like it," She voiced her real feelings. She wanted to make it clear to him that she wouldn't live with him if he didn't plan to leave everything behind.
He remained quiet for a while. He knew she disapproved of his world.
"Damon," She questioned.
"what?"
"If you have to choose between… your world and me who would you choose?" She finally asked him the big question. It wasn't just any question; it was a life-changing moment. He had the ball in his court.
"You, always you," He said, after a brief pause.
"If I ask you… to run away with me… to some far place where there is only you and I? Will you go?" She asked. This question reminded him of when five years ago, he begged her to go with him but she refused and they were forced to part ways from each other.
"Yes, I will," He said, holding her hand.
"You know what I mean by this, don't you? We can't possibly be together here, if we want to be together we have to…,"
"go away, I know."
"So?"
"Will you ever marry me?" He asked a question he had asked her ages ago, a question she never answered.
She bit her lip, looking into his eyes. "Yes."
"Then I'll leave everything for you. But only if you promise to be mine forever. Only if you promise to never change and love me."
"I will. I promise to be with you till my last breath." She vowed.
"Till death do us part," He said with such determination that it shook her. Yes, they'd be together forever.
..
..
The ball was beautiful. The big hall was decorated in a golden and black theme. Shimmering curtains, dim lights, and floral decoration made the place look like heaven.
She accompanied Damon as his date. They turned heads as they made their way to the dance floor and enjoyed a brief dance. Later, he left her on a table with Kol guarding her while he went to attend an urgent meeting.
"I'm telling you, he won't return the girl," Damon could hear Klaus argue. "I had seen him with the girl. He wouldn't even let her go out of his sight,"
"Well he has to," Augustine said coldly.
"What's this all about?" He said as he entered.
"Good Evening, Damon. Glad to see you here. I hope you and your lady enjoyed the ball,"
"We did." He said hesitantly.
"Take a seat, we need to discuss some necessary arrangements,"
"Me too, sir." He said, biting his lower lip. He was always so calm and collected but today he felt nervous. It wasn't easy to join mafia but it was almost impossible to leave.
"Me first, Damon," Augustine said. "Klaus tells me here, that you fancy Miss Gilbert. Some past romance? Is that true?"
"She's… she's the love of my life," He accepted, not seeing the point to lie.
"Oh, dear, and we sent you to kill her. How cruel of us?"
"But I have talked to you about that. I have returned the money too. And what's the point of killing Elena... we've settled our issues with Mason," He said quickly, his hand reaching for the gun in case Augustine refused.
"Oh, yes, I know. I am not asking you to kill her, Damon, relax."
He sighed out of relief.
"Get a hold of yourself, Damon. Emotions are never good in the kind of work we do."
"I don't want to do this anymore, Augustine," Damon said, his tone serious.
"Why? Did the girl tell you again that you're redeemable? Do you think you can be saved after the wicked things you did." Klaus mocked. He knew about Damon's story. He was the one who had helped Damon break free from prison. He'd witnessed the violent rampages Damon did whenever he missed Elena, whenever he was too drunk and vulnerable.
"Don't go there, Klaus."
"The girl has deceived him once, she's tricking him again. For all we know the FBI has sent her on a mission-,"
"That's ridiculous. Elena would never dece-,"
"Enough," Augustine stopped them. "Damon, we have to return Miss Gilbert to Mason."
"What?" He seemed thunderstruck.
"Mason had promised to give us all the contracts and has given us access to city underground passes. We can sell our weapons tax-free, in fact, he'll help us store and deliver them to our clients. Do you know what that means? We won't have to give the fifty percent cut we have to give to police. This is a deal of a lifetime. In return he demands his fiancé back, safe and secure and I had already signed the deal,"
"No,"
"I'll give you a thirty percent cut."
"No. She loves me. She doesn't want to go to him."
"He wants her at all cost and we'll make sure he gets her."
"No!" He growled. He took his gun out, pointing it to Augustine.
Augustine glared at him, surprised at the gesture.
"Sir," All his guards pointed their guns at Damon, ready for a sign to fire but Augustine held up his hand.
"Indeed I have nourished a snake. Do you forget all I did for you? I took you in when you were just a mere teenager, living on street, stealing to eat. I took you home, fed you, gave you a place to live, food to eat, made you the strong man you are today. Everyone fears you because of me. The power that you have is all because of me, I've granted you that, and you're holding a gun at me, your savior, for a girl." Augustine spat.
"And I gave you my loyalty. I did everything you asked me to do. I killed people for you. I destroyed families on your orders. I became an aggressive lunatic. I lost my the peace of my soul because of you. You didn't do me any favor, Augustine, I paid for everything you did for me, and don't you dare talk about my girl like that. She's my world. She's taught me how to live, love. She've made me smile. I'll not tolerate a word against her,"
"You have twenty-four hours, Damon. Play with the girl as much as you want. She's your toy for tonight. But tomorrow, at this time, we're returning her, and that's final." Augustine hissed. "Throw him out,"
And before he could protest, a couple of guards attacked him and pushed him out of the room.
..
..
He was pacing back and forth in the room, she had never witnessed so much anger in a person just oozing out of his red eyes, he instantly stopped and headed to where she was sitting, she poured him a glass of water which he didn't touch, "He thinks he can do whatever he wants but no, I won't allow that, you know I could have killed them if you weren't down in the lobby. He had me cornered because of you,"
She cupped his face, "Calm down, Damon, look even if he hands me back to Mason, he can't force me into marrying him."
He flinched at her words, "He's not a normal guy he's from the fucking Mafioso. When we want something we get it, he'll not give you away just like that. I can't risk you, you don't understand,"
"Oh okay. Okay," She gulped thick and nodded, "So what's in your head?"
He bit on his lips, looking at her with a strange desperation. He just couldn't give up on her, he needed her more than the next breath, "Pack your bags, Elena, I want us to leave before the dawn. There is a whole society of Mafioso's right here and let's be logical, I can't manage to fight all of them, we need to escape, I am not worried about me but I don't want those animals to harm a hair on your head,"
She nodded in agreement getting up, "But where are we going?"
He stood up too "I don't know Elena, somewhere far, on the other side of the world maybe, I don't even know if we would be able to keep these names, but we'll manage. Are you with me?"
"Of course,"
He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her forehead, "Okay then. I am going to check the transport."
She saw him leave, her heart was sinking as she packed their bags but at the same time she was happy that they were finally going to start their life again, she loved this man and nothing else mattered to her right now, she carefully folded his shirts placing them in the bag, the fragrance of his shirts made her sigh, she missed him already, how would she ever live without him if they sent her away from her Damon, she brought the shirt close to her face and breathed deep holding it close to her, she couldn't wait for this new 'life' that awaited them, when she folded the shirt, something fell out of it, his dairy, the one she saw the other day, she picked it up and was about to close it when something got her attention, her surname 'Gilbert' , she read closer and could clearly see the date now, three years back , she tried to read closer and it got clearer to her, tears started pooling her eyes.
"Jeremy Gilbert," Scribbled in bold.
"I need it to remember the contract dates, my victims, keep track of payments and the vehicles I rent for the jobs,"
"He killed my brother,"
The second the door opened, she could hear him, not her lover anymore, not her love, a murderer, a liar. She felt her love turn into the most venomous hate.
He asked her, "Done, love?" zipping the bags.
She wiped the tears with her palm before he could see her, "Yes I am done." Her voice was hurt and cold.
He looked up at her as she handed him his diary, he held it and threw it over to the dustbin, "I don't need that anymore. Come here."
He pulled her closer cupping her face, "This is all for you, Elena, everything I do is for you, you're ready, right? Ready for our forever now?"
She pursed her lips, Jeremy's face was swimming before her eyes and she could feel something coming up her throat, he noticed her face turning red.
"What's wrong baby?" he whispered caressing her cheeks with his hands, she shook her head, her voice was heavy and she wanted to cry, cry loud, shout at him, tear him in half, scratch his beautiful face, she wanted to ask why he did it to her. But she couldn't she loved him so much that her heart was tearing into half. How could she still love him? She shook her head again, feeling bile rise to her throat. "I... I don't feel so good; can I use the restroom before we go?"
He nodded, she pulled her hands out of his and went into the restroom, he could sense some trouble, he called after, "Let me know if you need help, love, I will go get you some meds."
..
..
"Hello Mason?"
"Elena, Elena baby is that you?" She heard his worried voice.
"Mason, he's taking me away,"
"What?"
"Mason, you have to… help…," She hung up when she heard Damon footsteps.
"Love?" Damon called her.
"Coming!"
..
..
He picked up the bags. Despite the unfavorable circumstances he was happy and excited to start a new life. He looked back to her. She was staring at the floor, a look of anguish on her face. She looked up at him with the most distraught expression in her eyes.
"Are you okay?" He asked her but she looked away. A lone tear rolling down her cheek.
"Elena." He seemed worried now. He put the bag back on the bed and went to her. He sunk to his knees next to her, cupping a side of her face but still she refused to look at him.
"what's wrong?"
"Don't touch me," she pushed his hand away.
"What?" He was surprised. She was okay, just a few moments ago. She was completely in love with him, and she wanted to run away with him, then what happened.
"You killed my brother, didn't you?" She asked, looking at him with hurt and accusing eyes.
His mouth fell open, the accusation hitting him straight in the heart.
"I-," He couldn't quite remember. Did he kill her brother? He couldn't have. But he had killed so many people, he didn't remember all of his victims.
"Jeremy Gilbert, my little brother. He worked for Mayor George Lockwood. You did all George's dirty work on Augustine's order, didn't you? You killed Jeremey because he found out about George's deal with the underworld." She hissed. She had just made the connection.
She remembered how worried her brother was a day prior to his murder. He had told her that George was doing something illegal and that he had proofs but before he could give them to FBI he was killed.
So, Damon was the killer. She thought. He had killed her brother on George's contract. And then killed her father just because he was there.
"I saw his name in your diary." She continued.
He looked down ashamed, running his fingers through his hair, murmuring, "No. no. no. God, what I have done? Elena, I… I honestly didn't know. I love you I can't-,"
"You have the audacity to tell me that you love me," Elena hissed, standing up. She quickly walked down the stairs, she couldn't be in the same room as his. She was afraid she would hurt him. All, she knew was that she couldn't stand the sight of him. Not that she didn't love him, yes she did, with all her heart but she couldn't be with him anymore. Not when she knew he had killed her brother.
He watched her walk away. He couldn't bear it, the pain was too much. All he knew was that if she was leaving him, he didn't want to live anymore. He had to stop her, beg for forgiveness and ask her to take him back. He picked up his diary and ran after her.
"Elena, Elena, stop."
She didn't stop.
"I am sorry, I really am. But I didn't do it on purpose."
She turned, looking at him with utmost anger. Mason would be here any minute now. He would take her away from Damon. She would live her life alone now, but she refused to live with him.
"Elena, I don't even remember what he looked like. If I knew he was your brother I would have-,"
"That's the problem, Damon. For you everyone is just a victim but do you know how many families you have broken, how many lives you have destroyed." She shouted in utter despair.
That was the moment he regretted everything that he had ever done, every choice that he had ever made. He wished he could turn back time, go to that very moment when he decided to become a cold heartless killer. Her agony made him realize the depth of the crime he had committed. "I'm a monster, I know. But you can fix me. Love me Elena. Make me a better person. I promise I'll spend every day proving to you that I'm worth it," He pleaded.
She sensed truth in his tone, and unmeasurable love in his voice. Can she do that? Can she fix him? Maybe she could. But he murdered her brother and her father. Her only family. Can she forgive him?
"Please, Elena." He held both her hands, "Love me, fix me,"
With the way he looked at her, and the way he begged, she found her heart melting. But before she could open her mouth, she heard gunfire.
"Oh fuck," Damon held her hand, hiding her behind him. They have come before time. He looked around to see, vehicles approaching them. He held her tightly and made a run to their car.
"Fuck… keys. Inside. I'll get them,"
"Damon, here." Kol's voice interrupted them. He looked back to find Kol standing behind him with the stack of keys.
He looked at him uncertainly before taking the keys.
"What are we waiting for?" Kol asked.
"We?" Damon said, "No, kid. You're staying here."
"Of course not. You took me in when I was homeless. You made me promise loyalty to you and I gave my word."
"Kol!"
"We don't have time for this, Damon. You can lecture me on my life choices later." Kol said, opening the door to the car. "Elena, get in." He said to her.
She looked uncertainly at both of them, struggling to say something but when the gunshots drew nearer, Damon grabbed her hand and pushed her into the car.
He followed after her. Kol took the driver seat. He put the keys in the keyhole, turning it, bringing the engine to life and zoomed away.
..
..
They traveled to far end of the city and stopped for the night in the forest at the warehouse which he used before for his victims. It wasn't known to a lot of people so it was considered safe.
They had flights for tomorrow morning. They just needed to spend the night here. She wondered how he could manage plane tickets when he was such a known criminal. But then, nothing was impossible for Mafia. They had connections everywhere.
She still hasn't spoken a word to Damon and neither did he try to talk to her. Kol had noticed how distant they were. They would look at each other now and then but wouldn't address each other, neither speak to each other directly.
He wanted to ask what was wrong but he figured it was their personal problem.
"We don't have anything much to eat here, except for some canned food." Kol said turning their attention to them.
"Give it to her," Damon said, getting up, sliding the slide of his gun and putting it in his pocket.
"I don't want it,"
"You haven't eaten since morning," He said, looking her worriedly.
She never replied and looked away, wrapping her arms around herself.
He took a deep sigh but then nodded. He reached for her hand but she pulled it away out of his reach, turning away from him.
He stood there for a while, broken-hearted and then turned around. "I'm going to go see if the coast is clear, we need to leave this place isn't safe," He said loud enough for her and Kol to hear and then left. Kol followed him out, making sure he had left. When he came back, he found her whispering to her hand. When she saw him, she looked like she had been caught stealing. But then she pretended to not notice him at all, looking away with the same sad look on her face when Damon offered her food. Speaking of which, "What's all this?" Kol asked.
"What?"
"You and Damon? Is everything okay?"
"No." Elena said, truthfully.
"What happened?"
"Kol… he… he killed my brother and my dad," She said after awhile as she broke into sobs. She had a lot on her chest. She told him everything from the start, how she saw the diary, how Damon confessed that he might have done it but he didn't do it purposely, he just didn't know. She told him that she loved Damon and she couldn't stand to live a life without him but she couldn't find it in her heart to forgive him. "I think I should go. What's the point of running away when I can't stand the sight of him? It's better if I return, this way Damon would be safe, I'll break my engagement with Mason and-,"
"No. I don't think he killed your brother, Elena." Kol interrupted.
"What? Are you serious?"
"Yes, for real, because… you said your brother's name is Jeremy… the one who was senior director of the underpass project, the one who found out how about the Mayor George's deal with Augustine."
"Yes, he's the very one,"
"No, Elena, he didn't kill him. I remember because… do you remember a month back when we brought you home and I asked you that I knew you from somewhere? I remember now. I know Jeremy. As you know before we kill our target we find out everything about them and I had seen you with him. It's true we did get the contract and Damon did go to kill him, but as we entered his office room Damon saw your picture on his desk. Back then I didn't know about you so I didn't know what happened to him, all I remember is that, he looked at your picture for a long time and then he canceled the plan. Maybe he figured that Jeremy was somehow related to you. Or maybe he couldn't just kill someone after he'd seen you, But I'm a witness, Elena. Damon didn't kill Jeremy."
A heavyweight lifted off her chest when she heard those words. She felt her face wet with tears, tears of relief, tears of pain.
"Klaus was then sent to kill him." He completed. "I'm sorry, Elena. I-,"
"It's okay. Don't blame yourself. You have nothing to do with what your brother did," Elena said, holding his arm, "But thank you for telling me this. You don't know how much it means to me,"
"All clear, we should probably get out," They heard Damon's voice, interrupting their moment. She hurried to him and embraced him.
For a moment, he was shocked, what had happened. Why the one-eighty suddenly. He thought she hated him a few moments ago. He had half a mind of letting her go.
"Are you okay?" He said, pulling away slightly to look into her eyes.
"You didn't kill him. I know now."
"I'm…,"
"Kol told me everything,"
He looked at Kol as if inquiring what she was talking about. Elena cupped a side of his face, "I'm sorry. I didn't hate you. I was just so hurt."
"Damon, she's talking about that builder that Klaus killed, the only contract that we didn't complete," Kol reminded him.
"He was your Jeremy," Damon asked.
"Yes, he was... I'm just glad that, you weren't involved. I-," It was hard for her to express the relief she felt.
"But he did die because of my gang, Elena." He said, ashamed, his eyes downcast. "You were right. You're always right. For us people are just targets, we never realize how much pain we cause others for just a little cash,"
She nodded, her forehead on his.
"But I promise I'll change now. Not for you. Well, yes partly for you but mostly for myself. I want redemption. I want to make up for the bad I did."
"and I'll help you." She said as she kissed his forehead softly. Then a thought came to her mind. "Damon, we have to go. They'll be here any second."
"No, Elena, honey. They can't. They don't know about-,"
"I told them."
"What?" Shocked washed over his face.
"Please, don't hate me," She held his hand. "I… That was before I found out that you're innocent… I'm sorry I'm so sorry. I was furious that you killed my brother."
"what did you do, Elena?" Kol asked eyes widened.
"I called Mason," She confessed, scared.
"No." Damon shook his head.
"I am sorry, I really am. I was just so furious. I never intended to risk you. I only just wanted to go away." She spoke hurriedly, desperate for his understanding. "I was hurt. Very hurt. But I wanted you safe too so I called him and told him to take me away but leave you alone."
She really meant that. She wanted to punish him for what he snatched from her. But at the same time, she wanted him safe. So she made a deal with Mason. She asked him to take her in exchange for sparing Damon's life.
"Okay. Okay. I understand," He cupped both of her cheeks, understandingly. Surprisingly he meant it. He never forgave anyone but he could easily let her mistakes slide. The desperation in her voice and eyes made him forgive her. What wouldn't he do for her?
"But I wanna go with you now. I want to be with you forever. I love you, only you. Please forgive me,"
"Hey. Hey. Okay. It's fine." He said, not standing the tears in her eyes. "I'll take you away. I will. I forgive you, I understand. I would've done the same,"
"How beautiful!" A cold voice interrupted them mockingly.
..
..
"Mason," Elena gasped.
They looked around and found themselves trapped, while Mason's tall and muscular goons equipped with weapons circled them. Damon recognized some of the men from Augustine's base.
"Hands in the air, kid," Mason said as he pointed his gun at Kol before he could think of something.
"You thought you could run with my woman?" Mason mocked, stepping toward them. "You trash."
"Mason, let us go." Elena requested.
"Aww. But I thought you didn't want to go with him. Wasn't that why you called me to help?" Mason said.
"I don't need your help anymore. I don't want to be with you," Elena said bravely.
"Well, I want to be with you. I spent a great deal on you, you fucking bitch and this is how you repay me, you sleep with this fucking trash, yes Elena, I know everything now."
"What did you call her?" Damon said, threateningly, his eyes turning dark. He was about to attack but Elena held his hand, stopping him.
"Oh. Oh. You have him wrapped around your pinky good." Mason said, with a chuckle. "He was once a good man but you have made him useless. I have a message from Augustine too. He wants me to finish you. He can't stand traitors; you know that no? You went against his orders, you have outgrown your usefulness. And I after I'm done killing you, I'll take this bitch back, play with her, kill her, have her cut in pieces to show the world what happens to those who betray me," Mason said, dangerously.
"Touch her and I'll skin you alive," Damon replied.
"He's not alone, Mason. I'm right here and I have back up on the way," Kol lied expertly. "You're not going back alive either so it's better you let us go now,"
"And if I don't. I'm the fucking Mayor, Elena. Even if you managed to escape today with him. I'll track you both down and have him sent to prison for false allegations. Not that I need those. You can't go anywhere. You can't run forever, you can't escape. Your only option is to accept our original deal. Come to me, and I'll leave him untouched,"
"No!" She heard Damon growl. "Never. She is mine."
"Yes, that's right. I'm his and he's mine. And you can't do anything. Mason, and if you tried, I'll expose you to the world. I'm a witness to the desecration of your vows and duties to the town. I'll expose you to the world and ruin your political career," Elena threatened.
A smirk was playing on Damon's face at her wit. Even with all the power, Mason was helpless, they had cornered him. Kol had played him into thinking that they had back up outside, ready to attack if something happened to him and Elena had threatened to finish his political career if he tried to mess with their escape plan.
Mason bit on his lip. His face furious. He couldn't lose. No. He would never. Elena had been his obsession ever since he had laid his eyes on her. He had done everything to get her love, he even played the sympathy card, using his daughter. He couldn't lose. What about his reputation in the underworld. For Dons, everything was a territory. When Augustine had her kidnapped, he basically challanged him to save his terrtory, his woman from him. Did Elena not know how much deals she cost him? His reputation in the underworld would be mud if everyone knew he couldn't keep his woman from straying. He had to get her back.
But then if got her he could lose his power, he couldn't have that. He had schemed for too long. He had even had his brother killed to get him out of his way.
He stared at Elena longingly. He couldn't let her go. He couldn't lose.
Then a thought came to his mind. How can Kol possibly call for back up. All the men that worked for Damon were Augustine's. And Augustine wanted Damon dead. He didn't have any power anymore.
A smirk curled on his lips. Elena had sliced his heart into pieces when he found out that she had betrayed him and slept with the fucking worthless contract killer. She had just shamelessly confessed to him that she was Damon's. Well, then, if Damon had to die, she would die with him. If he couldn't have her, no one could. He would be killing two birds with one stone, he'd been taking his revenge and make sure that anyone who knew his reality get to leave the warehouse alive.
"Okay. I'll let you go." He said, taking steps back. "We'll leave. But I don't want to see you two ever in my area again."
"We won't come here, I can assure you of that," Elena promised.
"Good." He spat. "Goodbye,"
He turned around, gripping the end of his gun in hand, waiting for the perfect opportunity. Damon's eyes were still stuck on him; he hasn't relaxed yet. He knew something was going through Mason's mind. He held on to Elena tightly, ready to save her in case of danger.
Elena turned to him, a relieved look on her face. "When are we going? We have morning flights right?"
"I have arranged transport from the airport as well, we can stay at my friend's house-," Kol seemed relaxed too, thinking that the danger hovering above them was over.
Just then Mason turned, pointed his gun at Elena. A defending sound echoed in the air. The bullet zoomed toward her but before it could hit her, Damon turned her, shielding her with his body.
His eyes widened when the bullet pierced through his skin.
Elena screamed in agony, as if feeling his pain. He pushed her away, taking out his gun, turning toward Mason. He aimed at his chest and shot continuously. Shielding Elena from any sort of danger. He had to save her no matter what.
Elena fell on a table, her head slammed with it's leg.
She could see Kol help Damon fight against Mason and his men. Somehow one of the bullets hit the light bulb on the top, and the room darkened.
A series of screams and gunfires followed. Blood dripped down her head, she could barely see anymore in the darkness. Her eyes focused on Damon's figure. He was still fighting, his one arm injured from the bullet shot.
She reached her hand for him, whispering his name. "Damon…"
Just then he turned, he made a run toward her. He always did. Whenever she called him, he came to her. He loved her like that. Crazily. Madly. Deeply.
But before Damon could reach her Mason stepped toward her. He pointed his gun at her skull.
"Get away from her," Damon growled.
But Mason had already made up his mind. His finger reached for the trigger.
A loud bang followed.
She closed her eyes in fear, welcoming the pain and death. She opened her eyes to find Damon holding the gun to Mason's back. The bullet has plunged through Mason's chest and out. His body fell freely, life escaping from his eyes.
All guns pointed at Damon.
Images blurred.
She couldn't see anyone anymore. Was she dead? Because she couldn't feel her body, she couldn't move. The last she heard before she dozed off into nothingness was police sirens.
..
..
"Elena, baby. Wake up." She heard an angelic voice. Was she in heaven? Had she died?
"Damon?"
"Yes, baby, I'm here." She felt his fingers slip into hers. "Please wake up. We need to get out of here. Help is here."
"I am alive?" She asked, surprised.
"Yes," He said with somewhat relief. "Come on. We've to get out of here." He helped her up.
"My head hurts," She moaned, rubbing her temple.
"Baby," He looked at her with so much anguish, touching her forehead lightly, with the pad of his fingers. "Let's go out. The paramedics must be out there. Let's get you fixed."
She could hear police sirens.
"Cops are here. Oh, god. We have to run away before they see you."
"No. No. It's okay. It's fine."
"What?"
"I'll explain later, let's just go out first," He said, sliding an arm around her back. He helped her up. Slowly, they walked toward the exit.
"Did they capture them all?" She asked.
"Yes, they did. Mason died though. Kol is injured. He's knocked out. The kid fought pretty good for his age. He's quite bright, that kid. He should stay away from our world. Get him into a school or something-,"
"Yes we will. We'll do that together,"
He remained quiet but nodded. "Come on. They're about to lock down this place, we need to hurry up."
"Yes, and we have flights in the morning too." She reminded him. "I can't wait to start a new life with you," she said as she looked at him tenderly. He turned his face to her too, a soft smile playing on his lips.
Damon's hand reached up and brushed a loose strand of her hair away from her face. His fingers softly trailed down her cheekbone. The tip of his nose left hers as his lips moved forward and closed the millimeters of space that separated them from one another. Their ragged breathing became slow and heavy as their lips melded against each others. Their tongues danced and tangled together. They pulled back, gasping for breath.
She tried to reach for him again but he stopped her, a finger on her lips, "Uh. Ah. Not now love. I hear them close the doors. We can't get locked here. You need medical help. Stitches and all."
"And you too." She said as her eyes traveled to his arm where she remembered the gunshot injury. But strangely it was dry. Maybe she had been wrong. The bullet must have passed near him, maybe it never touched him. She was about to ask him but he silenced her with a hush and promised that he'll tell her everything soon, after she has food in her and her wounds had been nursed.
As they reached the main gate, she could hear Ric's voice, ordering people around.
"Boss there is still someone in there." One of the uniformed men pointed at her.
He turned around, eyes narrowed and then gasped. "Elena. Elena!" He ran toward her.
Elena felt her head heavy again. The blood loss had really weakened her.
She stumbled, and almost fell down had it not been Alaric holding her.
"Elena." She heard Damon's worried voice and Alaric's concerned tone call her name in unison.
"Get her some help. She's badly injured. How did someone not see her inside?" Alaric barked orders.
"They must have kept her in inner rooms. We didn't go there."
She felt Damon clutch her hand tightly, providing her support while the paramedics tended to her gashes and wounds. Her eyesight was still blurred. Every voice just seemed so distant. Anything barely meant sense. Was she passing out again?
"Damon, stay close to me, I don't feel well."
"I'm here, baby. I'm here."
"What is she saying?" Meredith inquired Alaric.
"I don't know. She's mumbling something too low for me to hear. Elena, can you hear us? Do you need anything?" Alaric said, sitting next to her.
"I don't feel well." She said. It felt as if something had been drilling into the back of her skull or she'd been hit hard. She cringed. The pain was agonizing.
"We'd need to take her to the hospital, Ric. She can barely talk. Her gash is still bleeding,"
"Okay." Alaric nodded, "But I need to talk to Donavan about report. What the hell happened here?"
"Sir, a gang war. The kid, Mikelson Kol, told us that the contract killer rebelled against the godfather. Mason Lockwood had been sent to kill him. They had some inner gang issues that led to all this. They had a disagreement on a deal or something. It seems as if Mayor was involved in the dirty dealings too. Anyway, twenty men from Augustine's team, Mayor Mason Lockwood and the very dangerous contract killer Damon Salvatore died. Their bodies were found and recovered. I'll record the report and send it to you by night,"
"What? What? What?" Elena's eyes snapped open. "Damon… Damon isn't dead. He's alive. He's sitting right here." She said, pointing to a side.
"No. Miss Gilbert, I assure he's dead. He was shot in the heart. Twice. I have just seen his dead body." Matt Donavan replied.
"It can't… it can't be,"
She opened her eyes, to see all five of the men fighting the man she loved. She wanted to call his name but she couldn't find her voice.
While he was busy knocking another man down, a tall man came behind him, he kicked Damon and throwing him against the floor. The other two goons, held him by his hands, forcing him to turn to the man that was holding the gun.
"No. Please, don't," Elena begged. "Please, don't hurt him, please," She pleaded.
The man slid the slider of gun and pressed the trigger.
Once.
Twice.
Damon fell down on his knees, writhing in agony. His eyes locked on hers. It reminded him of the time when he had held his knife up to Elena's throat once when she had sneaked up on him.
The first time when he fell in love with her eyes. Those brown orbs, filled with life and warmth. He had always wondered how beautiful that beautiful pair of eyes would look on their children. Of course, he had planned that. But now, it was impossible.
"Damon," She crawled to reach him but one of the men kicked her, pushing her behind the counter.
He wished he could protect her but his body had stopped moving. He knew this was the end.
He held her gaze until life dimmed in his eyes.
Despite the memory she still couldn't believe that he had died so Alaric took her to see the body. There he was. Eyes closed as if sleeping. But he was peaceful. Good. No pain would touch him anymore.
She sunk to her knees next to him, reaching to touch him, not believing her eyes. How is that possible? She just saw him. She talked to him. She kissed him. He was holding her hand. She looked around desperately for him. She found him, a little further away from her, his hands folded on chest, looking at her with pained eyes. Was he real? Or a figment of her imagination. She would never know.
"Please don't go. Please don't leave me," She pleaded.
He stepped back. His eyes devastated at the thought of being parted from her.
"Please, don't leave me."
"I wish I could stay. I really do." He whispered. "But we'll meet again. In the world beyond the stars. I'll be waiting."
"Damon, don't go. Please." She hurried after him.
"What the hell, Elena? Stop." Alaric ran after her. Where was she going?
He was going away. Fading in nothingness. She tried to stop him. She called his name, she pleaded for him to stop for her. But he shook his head, smiling an agonized smile. "Goodbye, baby."
..
..
5 years later
Elena was running her fingers through little Jamie's dark raven hair, his curious blue eyes were looking towards the rising sun, he was always very interested in this particular sight. Like his father he enjoyed silence and was a keen observer, he loved peace and Elena always kept him away from the slightest glimpse of violence. It scared her. She just couldn't stand the thought of losing him after how she lost the love of her life, the father of her son.
"Mommy." His voice was just above a whisper.
"Hmm." She too was lost in the comforting silence.
"Dad liked sunrises too" He was always so curious about his father. His mother had told him that he was a great man and that he'd the most loving heart she had witnessed. He wished he'd met his father but his mommy told him his father was in heavens now, he was an angel.
"Yes," She nodded, smiling even though she didn't know for sure, Damon's life had been so rushed, filled with chaos but she had seen him fascinated by it too once or twice.
"What else did he love?"
She chuckled kissing the top of Jamie's head, Jamie had his father's scent, which gave her comfort and hope to live, strength to breath. "Was he a good person, Mommy? Did he love us? Did he love you?"
She nodded, "Your dad was the most beautiful person I ever came to know Jamie, he loved us okay, he loved us more than anyone can love anyone. And his love for me knew no bounds. It can't be measured. He offered everything he had to me."
"Do you think he's watching over us. Kol says that our loved ones are immo…" Sometimes Kol came to visit them. He was in college now. He had mended his ways and was living a life of a good person.
"Immortal," Elena completed.
"Yes, that."
"Of course, he's watching over us. He's always with us, I told you, he's right here," she said, pointing at her heart.
"Why are you asking so many questions today?" She asked before he could inquire more.
"No reason."
"Jamie."
He bit on his lower lip, just like his father did when he was nervous, "I saw him in a dream last night, Mommy, he told me I looked just like him, he told me to take care of you, mum, he doesn't want to see you cry like you did the other day when I took out dad's old picture,"
She gave him a soft smile, "Okay I won't. Just don't get upset Jamie, sometimes Mommy misses Dad, Mommy can, right?"
"But I don't like it when you cry," The look in his eyes reminded her of her Damon. Like his father, Jamie loved Elena too much too. He couldn't stand tears in her eyes.
"I cry, sometimes but It doesn't mean mommy isn't happy, I am very happy because I have you, you're my strength, my life."
"Why doesn't dad live with us, mommy. All the other kid's dad's do."
She pursed her lips, "He didn't belong in this world Jamie, this world didn't treat him right, it doesn't deserve him, he belongs to the heavens, God sent him to love and protect mommy and when he did his job God called him back,"
Jamie sighed, "Now I'll protect you like dad did."
Elena kissed his nose and cheeks, "Sure you will after you grow up."
He made a face, "I am big, see how big my biceps are."
Elena giggled, "Wow so strong,"
He got off her lap, "You're making fun of me, fine! I am not sharing my teddy bear with you anymore."
Elena got up too and followed him, picking him up and kissed his cheek, "My little grumpy nugget."
"Don't call me that, please."
She laughed at his pouty face and planted a kiss on his cheek. He snuggled against her neck, happy. He was the only thing that held her broken heart together. After Damon's death, she was devastated. She didn't want to live. But three weeks later she found out that she was pregnant. So, she lived for her child. She gave him everything that Damon was deprived off as a child, she gave him, security, education, awareness, food and most of all her love and care. But sometimes, she wished Damon was alive to live these moments with her.
Sensing her pain, Jamie looked at her. "Mommy,"
"Yes, baby,"
"Do you ever get sad that you can't see daddy anymore?"
Elena looked at him, feeling tears sting her eyes. It's like he read her mind. "I do, baby. I wish he was here. But he's in a better place, a place where he won't hurt anymore, a place where no pain will ever touch him,"
"Will we ever see him?"
"Yes we will. In a world beyond the stars, we'll meet him. I know he's waiting for us. By now, he must have built a house for us. We'll turn up on his door, we'll meet him. We'll tell him we missed him and then we'll stay with him forever,"
"A world beyond the stars," Jamie whispered. He was about to ask more questions when he heard his friends call him.
"Jamie! You coming for the football practice?"
"Mommy?" He looked at his mother, asking for permission.
She nodded. "But be careful and-,"
"Yes, take care of yourself and other people around you. Don't hurt anyone. Don't be violent. Don't fight. I know." Jamie repeated the daily lecture.
"Okay, then. Go."
"Bye, Mommy,"
"Bye Baby,"
Jamie ran off with his friends, laughing, talking. She waved at him until she could see his distant figure. Sometimes she worried so much about his safety. Just then a wave of wind passed, playing with her hair. It wasn't logical but she could smell Damon's light fragrance in the air as if he was around.
Five years had passed but she never moved on. She had tasted the true love and now nothing seemed good enough. Her heart had broken into bits the day the love her life went away from her life. She wanted to die. Sometimes living felt like such a burden but she had to live for the sake of her son.
However, she waited longingly for the time when she'll unite with her love again. She was waiting in wings for the day when she'd meet him again, in a world far far away from this cruel world, a world beyond the stars, where no one could ever come between two lovers.
Dear Readers!
Now, I know some of you might not be happy right now. But this is how I had made the plotline a year ago. I wanted to make an alternative ending (the reason why I was so late to update final part) but I thought it wouldn't do justice to the plot. This is how I saw the characters end. Serve a little justice and all.
Anyway, this is my only story with such type of ending. It was very difficult for me. I am strictly an HEA type writer. And I believe DE must stay together at all cost.
I hope you enjoyed. I always aim to make you guys smile but this time, I aimed to elicit another emotion. A little grief. I hope I succeeded in that. (As awkward as that sounds)
Thank you for all your sweet words for this story and all my others as well. I honestly have the best support group. You guys make me so happy with your encouraging words and your feedback regarding all my stories.
Now, I'm ready for a little hate too. Yikes.
Thank you again for your support and for your time. I'll see you again in my next update 'The Devil's Obsession', also probably my last multi-chaptered story for DE fandom.
Love you, all. Be safe.
Goodnight.